ESSEX COUNTY FREEHOLDERS
CONGRATULATE THE STATE CHAMPION
WEST ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM

Team Captures the 2011 North Jersey, Section 1, Group II State Championship

The West Essex H. S. Football Team was honored by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders during its Wednesday, December 14, 2011, meeting held at the Hall of Records. The team won the 2011 North Jersey, Section 1, Group II State Championship when it defeated River Dell High School, 32-14, on December 3, 2011, at the MetLife (Giants) Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. District 4 Freeholder Leonard Luciano of West Caldwell (pictured center) presented the Board's commendation to members of the team: (front row, left to right) Matt Rando, Nick Gareffa and Alec Miller; and (back row, left to right) Michael Madia, Michael Scardena, Paul Haramis and Thomas Filipow. The players were accompanied by Assistant Coach Bobby Lenoy (1st row, 3rd from left) and Athletic Director Damion Macioci (front row, far right). Also pictured is Essex County Chief of Staff Phil Alagia of Fairfield (back row, 3rd from left).

(Newark, NJ) – The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored the West Essex High School Football Team of North Caldwell for having won the 2011 North Jersey, Section 1, Group II State Championship during its Wednesday, December 14th, meeting held at the Hall of Records. The team won its state championship by defeating River Dell High School, 32-14, on December 3, 2011, at MetLife (Giants) Stadium in East Rutherford.

The Board’s commendation was presented to the team by District 4 Freeholder Leonard Luciano of West Caldwell.

During its championship season, the West Essex High School Football Team compiled an outstanding overall record of 11-1, which tied the school record for most wins in a season. The team also set a school record for rushing yards in a single season (3,763), and outscored their opponents by the amazing margin of 435-133, an average lopsided score of 37-11. The team also finished the season ranked as New Jersey’s #2 team in rushing (314 YPG) and #8 team in total offense (4,523 yards); and

This year’s accomplishments served to further enhance the football program’s impressive history of success that includes 8 conference championships since 1976 (including 4 since 2001) and 8 state sectional championships since 1974 (including 6 of the last 11 years).

The team was coached by Head Coach Chris Benacquista and Assistant Coaches Tim Glenn, Bobby Lenoy, Ron Rowe, Mike Markey, Greg Vaccarro, Jason Freda and Dominic Linsalato; the Athletic Trainer was John Mascola and the Strength and Conditioning Coach was Dave Drozjock.